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OPERATING LEVELS<br />
It is most important that the system level settings are correctly set. It is well known<br />
that many DJs push the level to maximum with meters peaking hard in the belief that<br />
they are getting the best from the system. THIS IS NOT THE CASE ! The best<br />
can only be achieved if the system levels are set within the normal operating range<br />
and not allowed to peak. Peaking simply results in signal distortion, not more volume.<br />
It is the specification of the amplifier / speaker system that sets the maximum<br />
volume that can be achieved, not the console. The human ear too can fool the operator<br />
into believing that more volume is needed. Be careful as this is in fact a warning<br />
that hearing damage will result if high listening levels are maintained. Remember<br />
that it is the QUALITY of the sound that pleases the ear, not the VOLUME.<br />
This diagram illustrates the operating range of<br />
the audio signal.<br />
NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. For<br />
normal music the signal should range between<br />
–6 and +6 on the meters with average around<br />
0dB. This allows enough HEADROOM for<br />
unexpected peaks before the signal hits its<br />
maximum CLIPPING voltage and distorts.<br />
It also achieves the best SIGNAL-TO-<br />
NOISE-RATIO by keeping the signal well<br />
above the residual NOISE FLOOR (system<br />
hiss).<br />
The DYNAMIC RANGE is the maximum<br />
signal swing available between the residual<br />
noise floor and clipping.<br />
!<br />
An important note …<br />
The human ear is a remarkable organ with the ability to compress<br />
or ‘shut down’ when sound levels become too high. Do<br />
not interpret this natural response as a reason to turn the system<br />
volume up further ! As the session wears on ear fatigue<br />
may set in, and the speaker cones may become hot so reducing<br />
the effectiveness of the system and listeners to gain any benefit<br />
from increased volume.<br />
Allen & Heath 29 <strong>XONE</strong>:<strong>3D</strong> User Guide